Semi-Automatic Pistol

ABSTRACT

An improved M1911 pistol, method of making an improved M1911 pistol, and system for improving performance of an M1911 pistol. Replacement parts for the M1911 pistol include stainless steel, which may be a 17-4Ph metal. Improved replacement parts include an improved frame and an improved slide.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to a structurally integralreplacement part system generally useful for improving the performanceand durability of previously known firearms, and in a specific thoughnon-limiting embodiment to a part system useful for manufacturing and/orreplacing certain parts of the 0.45 caliber M1911 series semi-automaticpistol invented by John Browning, for example, a Colt 1911 0.45 caliberpistol.

BACKGROUND

The basic Browning M1911 design has seen very little change throughoutits long production life. The basic principle of the pistol is recoiloperation. As expanding combustion gases force a bullet down the barrel,they give reverse momentum to an associated slide and barrel, which arelocked together during this portion of the firing cycle. After thebullet has left the barrel, the slide and barrel continue rearward for ashort distance.

At that point, a link pivots the barrel down and out of locking recessesformed in the slide, thereby bringing the barrel to a stop. As the slidecontinues rearward, a claw extractor pulls the spent casing from thefiring chamber and an ejector strikes the rear of the case, therebypivoting it out and away from the pistol. The slide then stops and ispropelled forward by a spring to strip a fresh cartridge from themagazine and feed it into the firing chamber. At the forward end of itstravel distance, the slide locks into the barrel and is ready to fireagain.

Since its inception, the M1911 has lent itself to customization, withreplacement sights, grips, and other aftermarket accessories being themost commonly offered replacement parts. Since the 1950s and the rise ofcompetitive pistol shooting, many companies have been offering the M1911as a base model for subsequent customization. Typical modificationsrange from changing the external finish, checkering the frame, and handfitting custom hammers, triggers and sears.

Other modifications include compensators and the addition of accessoriessuch as tactical lights and viewing scopes. A relatively commonmodification of the original Browning design is a full-length guide rodthat runs the full length of the recoil spring. This change adds weightto the front of the pistol, but does not generally result in an increasein accuracy or reliability, and generally make the pistol much moredifficult to disassemble.

Accordingly, there is need for modifications, replacement parts, and asystem to increase the durability and performance of M1911 pistols.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment of the present invention, an improved M1911pistol is provided, including: a frame; a slide; a grip safety, a safetylock; a disconnector; a hammer; and a sear. Each of the frame, theslide, the grip safety, the safety lock, the disconnector, the hammerand the sear includes stainless steel. The stainless steel may be a17-4Ph metal.

The improved M1911 pistol may include a plunger tube integrallyconnected to the frame. The improved M1911 pistol may include an ejectorintegrally connected to the frame. The improved M1911 pistol may includea ready finger position located in front of a trigger guard, which readyfinger position may be configured to receive a trigger finger in a restposition. The improved M1911 pistol may include a flared magazine well.A stop within the flared magazine well may be lowered relative to anoriginal magazine well.

The improved M1911 pistol may include a tactical rail attached just infront of a trigger guard. The tactical rail may include three slots. Theimproved M1911 pistol may include an extended magazine release. Theimproved M1911 pistol may include a performance barrel, busing, link andpin. The improved M1911 pistol may include a recoil reducer system. Theimproved M1911 pistol may include an extended slide stop and an extendedsafety lock. The improved M1911 pistol may include a rear sight and afront site. The front site may be a fiber optic site. The hammer may bea commander-style hammer. The grip safety may be a beavertail shapedsafety.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, a method ofmanufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol is provided,including: casting the replacement parts with stainless steel. Thecasting may include a double solution annealing process. The stainlesssteel may a 17-4Ph metal. The replacement parts may include at least oneof: a frame; a slide, a grip safety, a safety lock, a disconnector, ahammer; and a sear.

In an example embodiment of the present invention, a system forimproving performance of an M1911 pistol is provided, including:replacing at least of a frame and a slide of the M1911 pistol with astainless steel frame and a stainless steel slide. The stainless steelmay be a 17-4Ph metal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a frame and slide of a firearm and anadditional slide according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a firearm according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a frame of a firearm according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a bottom view of a slide according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4B is a top view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4C is an isometric view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 4D is a rear view of the slide shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a slide according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 7A is a rear view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7B is an opposite side view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 7C is an isometric view of the frame shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 8A is a rear view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8B is an opposite side view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 8C is an isometric view of the frame shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a frame according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 9A is a top view of the frame shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 10 is a side view of a disconnector according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10A is a rear view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10B is an opposite side view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 10C is an isometric view of the disconnector shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a sear according to an exemplary embodiment ofthe present invention.

FIG. 11A is a rear view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11B is a bottom view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11C is an opposite side view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 11D is an isometric view of the sear shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 12 is a rear view of a grip safety according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a side view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12B is a front view of the grip safety show in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12C is an opposite side view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 12D is an isometric view of the grip safety shown in FIG. 12.

FIG. 13 is a top view of a hammer according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a side view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13B is a rear view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13C is an opposite side view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 13D is an enlarged view of section B of FIG. 13C.

FIG. 13E is an isometric view of the hammer shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a slide stop according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14A is a bottom view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14B is a rear view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14C is an enlarged view of section A of FIG. 14B.

FIG. 14D is a side view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 14E is an opposite side view of the slide stop shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 15 is an isometric view of a safety lock according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15A is a side view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15B is an enlarged view of cross-section D-D of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15C is an enlarged view of section B of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15D is an enlarged view of cross-section A-A of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15E is a rear view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15F is an enlarged view of cross-section E-E of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 15G is opposite side view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 15H is a bottom view of the safety lock shown in FIG. 15.

FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a mainspring housing according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16A is a side view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 16B is cross sectional view of cross section A-A of FIG. 16A.

FIG. 16C is a bottom view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

FIG. 16D is a rear view of the mainspring housing shown in FIG. 16.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In order to overcome various shortcomings identified in the weaponsfound in the prior art, the present inventors have developed a number ofproposed alterations, substitutions and replacement parts that improvethe performance, efficiency and durability of an M1911 pistol, withoutsubstantially increasing the weight, cost or complexity of disassemblyof the weapon.

For example, in one embodiment, an altered M1911 pistol comprises astainless steel casting; in one specific embodiment, the stainless steelis a 17-4Ph metal. To date, this is believed to be the only civilianversion of the weapon so cast.

A clear advantage to this approach is that the resulting weapon willbetter stand up to extreme conditions and battering. For example, it hasbeen found that 17-4Ph metal can be reduced to approximately 150 degreesbelow surrounding ambient temperatures, and then brought up toapproximately 150 degrees above surrounding ambient temperatures withoutincursion of molecular change within the metal. A 17-4Ph metal is alsothe most rust resistant of the stainless steels, and can sustainmultiple hours of continuous salt spray without suffering deleteriousperformance effects.

In one embodiment, annealing is done with a double solution annealingprocess, thereby achieving a Rockwell hardness of approximately 34-36 onthe receiver and approximately 42-46 on the slide. In contrast, the vastmajority of handguns currently offered for sale comprise a Rockwellhardness level of 26 or less.

In a recent performance, the inventors subjected multiple test samplesto both a drop test and a mallet test, each of which are specificallydesigned to assess whether a firearm is likely suspect to inadvertentfiring or other forms of unintended discharge. While there are severalfirearm industry-recognized standards for drop tests, the inventorsapplied drop test requirements adopted by the State of Californiabecause those standards are amongst the strictest in the United States.A twenty-four (24) ounce mallet was used for the mallet test. Each ofthe subject samples passed both tests.

In many versions of the prior art, the plunger tube will come looseduring the firing process, thereby resulting in failure of the weapon.This shortcoming is so pronounced that sometimes the internal plungerspring will eject from the firearm with such force that it cannot laterbe relocated.

To overcome this shortcoming, the inventors manufacture the plunger tubeas part of the frame itself; in other words, the integral plunger tubeis machined directly onto the frame, thereby rendering it impossible toloosen or fall off the frame because it is manufactured structurallyintegral therewith.

This same process is then repeated with the ejector, so that there is nosubsequent fitting or drilling stage. For a home firearm builder, thiseliminates several tedious steps in the building process, as well as anyconcern regarding rail damage or a roll pin sticking out into the framerail due to improper installation.

Most novice shooters, and even many experienced shooters, havedifficulty remembering to keep their trigger index finger out of thetrigger guard until it is time to shoot. The inventors consider that aleading cause of this failure is the fact that in all known prior artmodels there isn't any specific place the trigger finger shouldnecessarily rest. The weapon disclosed herein therefore furthercomprises a “ready-one” finger position located directly in front of thetrigger guard and to the rear of the tactical rail that will serve as anatural rest point and reminder to the shooter to obey this basicfirearm safety rule.

In another embodiment the weapon comprises an improved “beavertail”shaped grip safety, so that when the shooter's hand reaches its mostoptimum gripping position, a maximum hand/grip relationship relative tothe slide is achieved. This modification confers greater control overthe firearm, thereby resulting in a quicker recovery time for subsequentshots, and a reduction in the amount of recoil felt by the shooter.

Also, all of the sharp edges of the grip are reduced and opened uprelative to the trigger housing. Similarly, reducing frame dimensionssupports a better grip, and improves holstering due to a reduction ofdrag imparted by the holster material.

In another embodiment, a flared magazine well is added, and the stopwithin the magazine well is lowered, thereby allowing for more brands ofmagazine to be accepted. This change also facilitates a faster loadingof the magazine.

In other embodiments, a tactical rail is installed just in front of thetrigger guard; in one specific though non-limiting embodiment, thetactical rail comprises three slots instead of the usual one slotoffered by typical manufactures, thereby allowing a greater variety ofaccessories to be added.

In further embodiments, an extended magazine release is included, and instill further embodiments, a performance barrel, bushing, link and pinare added, e.g. barrels, bushings, links and pins offered by Storm LakeMatch®. In further embodiments still, a recoil reducer system isincluded, such as the Sprinco Recoil Reducer®, which substantiallyreduces the felt recoil, thereby allowing for quicker recovery for thenext shot.

In other embodiments, the pistol is equipped with an extended slide stopand an extended thumb safety; in a presently preferred embodiment, theseparts also made from 17-4Ph stainless steel, thereby allowing for thelongest possible weapon life. In a further embodiment, these parts arealso melted for comfort and fit, and reduced drag while replacing ordrawing the weapon from a holster.

In other embodiments the gun comes with a rear sight (e.g., area sitefrom Ghost Ring®) and a fiber optic front sight. As those of skill inthe pertinent arts will attest, a Ghost Ring® rear site will put theshooter on target with an ease not generally experienced with othersight combinations.

In other embodiments, a commander-style hammer having a roundconfiguration for reducing the chance of the gun getting caught on agarment or holster is also provided, and in still further embodiments alanyard ring attachment is disposed on a lower portion of the mainspring housing is to facilitate tethering of the weapon to the shooter.In other embodiments, gripping serrations disposed on both the front andrear of the slide allows multiple ways to rack the slide.

Finally, the weapon is equipped with a smooth, crisp trigger pull, sothat additional (and oftentimes expensive) gunsmithing is avoided.Exotic wood grips, such as Coco Bolo®, are typically installed, andoptional grips for tactical use are made available.

In one presently preferred embodiment, the resulting firearm is thenpackaged and sold with two stainless steel eight-round magazines, acleaning brush, a custom metal barrel brushing wrench tool, and acompilation of useful National Rifle Association safety literature. In afurther preferred embodiment, an associated gun case used for storageand transportation is airline drop-test approved, and equipped with aplurality of locking devices, for example two padlocks, in order tosecure the case to the satisfaction of airport security.

Example embodiments of the present invention may be seen in FIGS. 1 to16D. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 and 6 to 9, embodiments of the presentinvention include pistols 10 having improved frames 26, which may besmaller in dimension than a frame being replaced. The frames may bestainless steel and may be 17-4Ph stainless steel. A ready fingerposition may be located in front of trigger guard 22.

Embodiments may include improved slides 12, which may be stainless steeland in certain embodiments, 17-4Ph stainless steel. See, e.g., FIGS. 1to 2, and 4 to 5. Further embodiments may include improved grip safety18. See, e.g., FIGS. 1 to 2 and 12 to 12D. Embodiments may also includeimproved safety lock 14, hammer 16, plunger 20, grip attachment surface24, disconnector 28, sear 30 and slide stop 32. Each of these featuresmay be stainless steel and in certain embodiments, 17-4Ph stainlesssteel.

The foregoing specification is provided only for illustrative purposes,and is not intended to describe all possible aspects of the presentinvention. While the invention has herein been shown and described indetail with respect to several exemplary embodiments, those of ordinaryskill in the art will appreciate that minor changes to the description,and various other modifications, omissions and additions may also bemade without departing from the spirit or scope thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved M1911 pistol, comprising: a frame; aslide; a grip safety a safety lock; a disconnector; a hammer; and asear; wherein each of the frame, the slide, the grip safety, the safetylock, the disconnector, the hammer and the sear includes stainlesssteel.
 2. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, wherein the stainlesssteel is a 17-4Ph metal.
 3. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1,further comprising a plunger tube integrally connected to the frame. 4.The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an ejectorintegrally connected to the frame.
 5. The improved M1911 pistol of claim1, further comprising a ready finger position located in front of atrigger guard, which ready finger position is configured to receive atrigger finger in a rest position.
 6. The improved M1911 pistol of claim1, further comprising a flared magazine well.
 7. The improved M1911pistol of claim 6, wherein a stop within the flared magazine well islowered relative to an original magazine well of the M1911 pistol. 8.The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a tactical railattached in front of a trigger guard.
 9. The improved M1911 pistol ofclaim 8, wherein the tactical rail comprises three slots.
 10. Theimproved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an extendedmagazine release.
 11. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, furthercomprising a performance barrel, busing, link and pin.
 12. The improvedM1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising a recoil reducer system. 13.The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, further comprising an extendedslide stop and an extended safety lock.
 14. The improved M1911 pistol ofclaim 1, further comprising a rear sight and a front site.
 15. Theimproved M1911 pistol of claim 14, wherein the front site is a fiberoptic site.
 16. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1, wherein the hammeris a commander-style hammer.
 17. The improved M1911 pistol of claim 1,wherein the grip safety is a beavertail shaped safety.
 18. A method ofmanufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol, comprising: castingthe replacement parts with stainless steel.
 19. The method ofmanufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, furthercomprising a double solution annealing process.
 20. The method ofmanufacturing replacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, whereinthe stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal.
 21. The method of manufacturingreplacement parts for an M1911 pistol of claim 18, wherein thereplacement parts include at least one of: a frame; a slide, a gripsafety, a safety lock, a disconnector, a hammer; and a sear.
 22. Asystem for improving performance of an M1911 pistol, comprising:replacing at least one of a frame and a slide of the M1911 pistol with astainless steel frame and a stainless steel slide.
 23. The system ofclaim 21, wherein the stainless steel is a 17-4Ph metal.